Reflection and Interaction: An Artisan’s Workshop

Design Studio I, Fall 2012

Studio Critic: Eva Chiu

Project Location: San Francisco, California

The Artisan Workshop in the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco is envisioned using programmatic components that embody the spirit of the Haight-Ashbury District for the community and visitors. A study of the site and its community revealed eclecticism and a focus on the community’s youth. These characteristics were used as inspiration for the workshop’s craft-oriented design. The community building will be used to promote creativity and foster inspiration through its relational program of reflective and interactive activities while taking advantage of the existing surrounding landscape.

The program elements of the workshop will be utilized in a way that arranges an even mix between work and interactive spaces with reflective space encompassing the site. The space will invite members of the community and visitors to an initial space purposed for gathering and interaction before moving on to work spaces and reflective space. Workshops for the youth will be situated at the heart of the site. Space for display and sale of works created will be incorporated and further foster a sense of interaction. The artisan workshop will play a major role in fostering and displaying the culture of the Haight-Ashbury District and their focus on youth.